# What is a variable?
A variable is a value that can change during the story based on the reader's choices. It allows you to store information and create complex conditional branches.
Simple analogy
Think of variables as counters or switches that you can manipulate. "Has the player found the key?" or "How many gold coins does he have?"
# Variable types
Stores an integer or decimal number. Ideal for counters, scores and statistics.
- Health points — From 100 to 0
- Gold collected — Increases with findings
- Reputation — Varies based on actions
- Time remaining — Countdown
# Create a variable
Access variables
In the side menu, click on "Variables".
Add a variable
Click on "Add a variable".
Name it
Choose a descriptive name without spaces (e.g.: health_points).
Choose the type
Numeric, Boolean or Text.
Set the default value
The initial value at the beginning of the story.
# Variable scope
In multiplayer mode, variables can be private or shared:
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Private | Each player has their own value | player_inventory |
| Shared | Same value for all players | main_door_open |
# Modify a variable
You can modify variables from steps. In the "Variables" section of the step editor, several actions are available:
- Increment — Adds a value (for numeric variables)
- Decrement — Subtracts a value (for numeric variables)
- Assign value — Sets a new value
- Assign if default — Modifies only if the variable has not changed
# Use in text
You can insert a variable's value directly into your step text using the "Add variables" button in the editor.
Personalization
"Welcome, {{player_firstname}}! You have {{gold}} gold coins." Variables in curly braces will be replaced by their values.
# System variables
In addition to your custom variables, system variables are available:
- FirstName — Reader's first name
- LastName — Reader's last name
- FullName — First name + Last name
- Age — Reader's age
- CurrentTime — Current time
- PlayerFirstName:X — First name of player X (multiplayer)